Lily Farm Fresh Skin Carehttps://lilyfarmfreshskincare.com
Organic Skin Care - Natural BeautyWed, 16 Jan 2019 05:46:07 +0000en-UShourly1https://wordpress.org/?v=5.0.1Essential oil of benzoin gumhttps://lilyfarmfreshskincare.com/13229-2/
https://lilyfarmfreshskincare.com/13229-2/#respondWed, 16 Jan 2019 05:44:07 +0000https://lilyfarmfreshskincare.com/?p=13229The extraction of benzoin oil is usually done tincture-style with high quality grain alcohol. It is often used as a fixative in making perfume and has a nice pleasant scent. The benzoin trees are usually from Thailand or Sumatra. When the trunk of the tree is cut, the gum or resin exudes, which technically makes [...]

]]>The extraction of benzoin oil is usually done tincture-style with high quality grain alcohol. It is often used as a fixative in making perfume and has a nice pleasant scent. The benzoin trees are usually from Thailand or Sumatra. When the trunk of the tree is cut, the gum or resin exudes, which technically makes it a resin. Historically, benzoin tree gum has been used for incense to drive away evil spirits.

It is an antiseptic, deodorant, sedative, and skin tonic for irritations, wounds, dry and cracked skin, and used as a preservative. Although I enjoy using benzoin tree gum in my products for its warming, toning, and healing skin effects, I have never found it to be an adequate preservative although I have run many tests with it.

A very old recipe recommends benzoin tree gum and cinnamon for tiredness, physical and psychological. It is warming, drying, and energizing. It is often used in aromatherapy to help overcome misery, fear, anger, and self-doubt.

]]>https://lilyfarmfreshskincare.com/13229-2/feed/0Essential Oilshttps://lilyfarmfreshskincare.com/essential-oils/
https://lilyfarmfreshskincare.com/essential-oils/#respondThu, 10 Jan 2019 16:28:12 +0000https://lilyfarmfreshskincare.com/?p=13215The sense of smell is the most powerful of senses. It is capable of bringing up long-forgotten memories, feelings of delight and sorrow, as well as stimulating sexual responses. Our noses are said to be able to identify over 10,000 scents. Aromatherapy Aromatherapy developed because of the far-reaching effects of our sense of smell. Aromatherapy [...]

]]>The sense of smell is the most powerful of senses. It is capable of bringing up long-forgotten memories, feelings of delight and sorrow, as well as stimulating sexual responses. Our noses are said to be able to identify over 10,000 scents.

Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy developed because of the far-reaching effects of our sense of smell. Aromatherapy is simply the science of using oils distilled from plants, including trees, flowers, and herbs, to heal the spirit, mind, and body. A plant’s life force is stored in the oil. When penetrated into the skin or inhaled, these oils have the power to alter moods, heal cells, stimulate circulation, and enter the bloodstream to heal the body.

Aromatherapy has been used for eons to heal and enhance our sense of well-being. It has been used in skin care since the Egyptian culture, some 5,000 years ago. For thousands of years, man has used the sense of smell ritualistically through incense, perfumes, lotions, and in healing.

Distilling essential oils

Essential oils are the essence of the plant. Plants usually contain 1 to 10% essential oil. The oils are usually extracted by a distillation process.

Extracting essential oils

Extraction is sometimes done with alcohol. Sometimes it is done mechanically, like for citrus fruits. For example, the citrus peel is squeezed and the essential oil oozes out.

Robert B. Tisserand, author of The Art of Aromatherapy, suggests that the essence of a plant “is like its personality. All animals, including humans, have their own characteristic smell.” [Robert B. Tisserand, The Art of Aromatherapy, The Healing and Beautifying Properties of the Essential Oils of Flowers and Herbs, Rochester, VT: Destiny Books, 1977, p. 15.]

There is little doubt of the importance scents play in our lives. Scents affect our sexuality and arousal, relaxation, memory, moods, emotions, and help the body by promoting healing. It is estimated there may be up to 500,000 different scents on this planet.

The function of essential oils

One theory is that the function of essential oils is to regulate the rate of transpiration in plants. Moisture from essential oils has different heat conductivity than of just moisture alone, so the essential oil and its scent is a protection to retain moisture and to maintain temperature.

Many things can affect the essential oil within the plant. In some plants, the essential oil can be found in different parts of the plant during different times of the day or year. During the fecundation process, flowering, the essential oil can change drastically; also many external conditions such as fertilization, light, heat, moisture, altitude, even parasites can change the anatomical structure of the plant, hence the essential oil.

Most essential oils are formed at an early part of the plant’s life, and it is best to extract it before the fecundation process.

Definition

The Condensed Chemical Dictionary defines essential oils as “volatile oils derived from plants, and usually carrying essential odor or flavor of the plant used. Chemically, essential oils are often principally terpenes (hydrocarbons), but many other classes of compounds are also found. They are to be distinguished from fixed oils such as linseed oil or coconut oil in that the latter are glycerides of fatty acids and hence saponifiable, meaning capable of being converted into soap by reaction with an alkali. Essential oils (except for those containing esters) are unsaponifiable. Some essential oils are nearly pure single compounds, as oil of wintergreen, which is methyl salicylate. Others are mixtures as spirits of turpentine (pinene, dipentene), and oil of bitter almond (benzaldehyde, hydrocyanic acid). Some contain resins in solutions and are then called oleoresins or balsams. [The Condensed Chemical Dictionary, Fifth Edition. Revised and enlarged by Arthur and Elizabeth Rose, New York: Reinhold Publishing Corp., 1956, p. 440.]

Derivation

Essential oils are derived from the flowers and plants to which they supply the characteristic odors commonly identified with those plants.

Methods of extraction

by steam distillation

by pressing (fruit rinds)

by solvent extraction

by enfleurage (employed for those very delicate oils whose odors are destroyed by even moderate heat; i.e., exposing odorless fats to the exhalations of flowers until they become strongly charged with the perfume)

The Chemistry of Essential Oils and Artificial Perfumes defines essential oils as “odoriferous bodies of an oily nature obtained almost exclusively from vegetable sources, generally liquid (sometimes semisolid or solid) at ordinary temperatures, and volatile without decomposition.” It also states that “an absolute scientific definition of the term essential or volatile oils is hardly possible.” [Ernest J. Parry, The Chemistry of Essential Oils and Artificial Perfumes, Vol. II, 4th rev. ed., London, England: Scott, Greenwood and Son, 1922, p. 1.]

Sometimes the essential oils come from the entire plant, sometimes from the tree gum, or the bark, leaves, or root, or as in the orange family, the peel of the fruit. Many theories state that the majority of essential oils are by-products of the “metabolic processes of cell life, such as are many of the alkaloids, colouring matters, and tannins.” [Ibid.] The essential oil can be part of the excretionary functions, pathological or fibrovascular functions, or the fundamental tissue.

Odors and chemical constitution: Substances of high molecular weight are usually odorless. In order for a substance to be odorous it also must be somewhat soluble in both water and the lipoid fats of the nose cells.

]]>https://lilyfarmfreshskincare.com/essential-oils/feed/0Yarrowhttps://lilyfarmfreshskincare.com/yarrow/
https://lilyfarmfreshskincare.com/yarrow/#respondFri, 28 Dec 2018 06:29:15 +0000https://lilyfarmfreshskincare.com/?p=13181Yarrow has many names, including Nosebleed, Milfoil, Thousand-leaf, Soldier’s Woundwort, Devil’s Nettle, Devil’s Plaything, Bad Man’s Plaything, and Yarroway. The name yarrow is Anglo-Saxon. From Trojan War to American Civil War The sixteenth-century British herbalist John Gerard states that Achilles stopped the bleeding wounds of his soldiers with yarrow in the Trojan War some 3,000 [...]

From Trojan War to American Civil War

The sixteenth-century British herbalist John Gerard states that Achilles stopped the bleeding wounds of his soldiers with yarrow in the Trojan War some 3,000 years ago. [Gerard’s Herball.] Thus, historically it was called herba militaris, or the military herb. In fact, the herb was found on the battlefields right up to the American Civil War.

Yarrow’s broad use

Yarrow enjoyed widespread use. The Native American Utes applied yarrow to injuries and sores. At least 46 American Indian tribes used yarrow. The first century Greek physician Pedanius Dioscorides used yarrow on ulcers to prevent inflammation. John Gerard recommended yarrow to relieve “swelling of those secret parts.” An English shopkeeper used yarrow with brandy and gunpowder, plus comfrey, for back pain. Yarrow appears in the U.S. pharmacopoeia from 1836 to 1882. In 1982, it still appeared in most European pharmacopoeias.

Long history of healing

For centuries, yarrow has been used for healing wounds. And in the 1950s, an alkaloid from the plant was found to help make the blood clot faster. Its anti-inflammatory and anti-spasmodic property is azulene, the same volatile oil found in chamomile.

Probably because of its close association with bleeding, the early seventeenth-century herbalist Culpeper recommends yarrow for women’s complaints, including menstrual cramps. Interestingly, like many herbs, yarrow has the power to both stop and start nosebleeds. Its popular name “nosebleed” comes from its ability to stop nosebleeds; contrariwise, if you roll up the leaf and apply it inside the nostrils it will cause a nosebleed. According to folklore, it could be a positive sign if your nose bleeds.

It was used historically in witchcraft, hence its nicknames, Devil’s Nettle, Devil’s Plaything, and Bad Man’s Plaything. There was a spell where the leaf was inserted in the nose while the following lines were recited:

Yarrow is very astringent, a tonic, a stimulant, and mildly aromatic. It is reputedly a wonderful preventative of baldness and should be in any shampoo that makes that boast. Oily hair also benefits from it in rinses. I include it in facial steams for normal to oily skin. It is fine in herb baths. It is a perfect ingredient for a cleanser, especially for oily skin or toner. Yarrow’s anti-inflammatory properties make it great for skin care. It is often used in cosmetics as a soothing agent. Yarrow has also been historically known as one of the best remedies for a fever.

Yarrow in Scandinavia

In Sweden, yarrow is called “Field Hop” and has been used to make beer. It is considered much more intoxicating than when hops are used. It is used in Norway for the cure of rheumatism, and the fresh leaves are chewed to cure a toothache.

Planting yarrow next to other herbs increases the essential oils of the surrounding plants.

Chemical constituents: flavonoids and salicylic acid; yarrow contains a volatile oil that contains achilleine, which is said to be identical with acontitic acid; acontitic acid is a white to yellowish crystalline solid that is soluble in water and alcohol; it can also be obtained from sugar cane; it is used as a wetting agent and as an antioxidant; yarrow also contains resin, tannin, gum, and earthy ash.

]]>https://lilyfarmfreshskincare.com/yarrow/feed/0Witch Hazelhttps://lilyfarmfreshskincare.com/witch-hazel/
https://lilyfarmfreshskincare.com/witch-hazel/#respondFri, 21 Dec 2018 06:24:29 +0000https://lilyfarmfreshskincare.com/?p=13178Witch hazel is an herbal product that individuals have used and probably do not even know it is botanical. It is great for astringents because it is very high in tannins, which are highly astringent. It is good for acne-skin, blemished skin, or just to tighten pores. However, you can have normal or dry skin [...]

]]>Witch hazel is an herbal product that individuals have used and probably do not even know it is botanical. It is great for astringents because it is very high in tannins, which are highly astringent. It is good for acne-skin, blemished skin, or just to tighten pores. However, you can have normal or dry skin and still use witch hazel.

What can tend to be drying with the witch hazel is the alcohol many companies use to make it. If you make a product on your own, you can either boil the witch hazel in water or do an alcohol tincture and then use a slow heat process to evaporate out most of the alcohol. Or simply add other more moisturizing ingredients, for example, an herb high in polysaccharides such as Irish moss or comfrey, or add a humectant, which draws moisture to the skin, such as vegetable glycerin or honey.

In the dictionary, astringent is defined as “tending to contract or draw together organic tissues; binding.” I try to always make this important point. Many people think astringent means drying. Not so if you minimize the alcohol.

]]>https://lilyfarmfreshskincare.com/witch-hazel/feed/0St. John’s Worthttps://lilyfarmfreshskincare.com/st-johns-wort/
https://lilyfarmfreshskincare.com/st-johns-wort/#respondFri, 14 Dec 2018 06:23:30 +0000https://lilyfarmfreshskincare.com/?p=13176Many old-time superstitions relate to this plant. The name hypericum is derived from the Greek and means “over an apparition,” referring to a belief that the herb was so obnoxious that one whiff and it would send the demons straight back to hell. I’ve been told of the legend that if you stepped on the [...]

]]>Many old-time superstitions relate to this plant. The name hypericum is derived from the Greek and means “over an apparition,” referring to a belief that the herb was so obnoxious that one whiff and it would send the demons straight back to hell. I’ve been told of the legend that if you stepped on the plant at dusk, you may be carted off on a magic fairy horse and not be back until the next day.

Connection to St. John the Baptist

For hundreds of years this plant has been used to fend off evil spirits and the devil. The plant is named after St. John the Baptist. It was said to bloom first on his birthday, June 24th, and to bleed red oil from its leaf glands on the day he was beheaded in August. It is believed that the plant is most potent medicinally if it is harvested on June 24th.

Benefits

Preparations are derived from the leaves and flowers. St. John’s wort contains compounds with potential immune boosting, wound-healing, and antibiotic properties. It is astringent, and the tea is helpful for children to drink at night to stop bedwetting.

The oil of St. John’s wort is made from the flowers infused in a high quality vegetable oil. It is widely used to soothe the skin. It has also been used as a sedative and painkiller and to take the sting and pain out of sunburn. It is being investigated as a bactericide. The blossoms soaked in a high quality vegetable oil make a soothing dressing for cuts. St. John’s wort is also used to increase and induce a sense of well-being and is gathering wide acceptance today as an antidepressant.

It is used to reduce blotches and varicose veins. Cosmetic manufacturers use it to texturize, as an astringent, and add it as a soothing agent. It is useful for wrinkles, dry skin, or as a general healing agent. And a dye of yellow and red can be obtained from the flowering tops and stems.

]]>https://lilyfarmfreshskincare.com/st-johns-wort/feed/0Rosemaryhttps://lilyfarmfreshskincare.com/rosemary/
https://lilyfarmfreshskincare.com/rosemary/#respondFri, 07 Dec 2018 06:21:37 +0000https://lilyfarmfreshskincare.com/?p=13173Symbolism of rosemary The ancient Greeks, it is said, wore sprigs of rosemary in their hair to promote good memory. Because of its reputation for strengthening the memory, it was also the emblem for fidelity in marriages and represented friendship. Rosemary is a symbol of love and loyalty. It has been used in incantations particularly [...]

The ancient Greeks, it is said, wore sprigs of rosemary in their hair to promote good memory. Because of its reputation for strengthening the memory, it was also the emblem for fidelity in marriages and represented friendship. Rosemary is a symbol of love and loyalty. It has been used in incantations particularly to ward off evil spirits. It was worn by brides at weddings. Together with an orange and cloves it was given as a New Year’s Eve gift.

Benefits

Roger Hacket stated in a sermon, “A Marriage Present,” published in 1607: “Speaking of the powers of rosemary, it overtoppeth all the flowers in the garden, boasting man’s rule. It helpeth the brain, strengtheneth the memorie, and is very medicinable for the head.”

The Treasury of Botany states that “rosemary will not grow well unless where the mistress is master; and so touched are some of the lords of creation upon this point, that we have more than once had reason to suspect them of privately injuring a growing rosemary in order to destroy this evidence of their want of authority.” [John Lindley, The Treasury of Botany, rev. ed., London: Longmans, Green and Co., 1889.]

A formula dated 1235, made of rosemary and called “Hungary water,” is said to be in Vienna in the handwriting of Elizabeth, the queen of Hungary. According to Mrs. M. Grieve, author of A Modern Herbal, “Hungary water, for outward application to renovate the vitality of paralyzed limbs, was first invented for a Queen of Hungary, who was said to have been completely cured by its continued use. It was prepared by putting 1.5 lbs. of fresh Rosemary tops in full flower into one gallon of spirits of wine, this was allowed to stand for four days and then distilled.” [Grieve, A Modern Herbal, p. 683.]

Jeanne Rose recommends in her Herbal Body Book, “Rosemary with lavender is an excellent herbal stimulant tea if you are allergic to caffeine.” [Rose, Herbal Body Book, p. 120.]

Culpeper states in his book, “Take what quantity you will of the flowers, and put them into a strong glass close stopped, tie a fine linen cloth over the mouth, and turn the mouth down into another strong glass, which being set in the sun, and oil will distill down into the lower glass, to be preserved as precious for diverse uses both inward and outward, as a sovereign balm to heal the diseases before mentioned, to clear dim sights, and take away spots, marks, and scars in the skin.” [Culpeper’s Complete Herbal & English Physician, p. 156.]

Uses

Rosemary is known as a great purifier, an antioxidant, and is antimicrobial. It soothes sprains and bruises and helps wounds in the healing process. It is found in acne products, aching-muscles toners, cleansers, facial steams, creams, lotions, and astringents. A couple of drops in the bath are very relaxing.

Rosemary should be included in high quality hair products of any kind as it is an effective remedy for dandruff and is recommended in shampoos, conditioners, and rinses. It is touted for its effectiveness in footbaths and facial steams to stimulate the skin.

It is said to stimulate the hair bulbs to renewed activity and therefore to aid in preventing baldness. Essential oil of rosemary mixed with almond oil and slowly heated to use as a hot-oil hair treatment is wonderful also mixed with a little lavender. A small amount of rosemary and lavender is nice to put on your hairbrush to stimulate the scalp daily.

]]>https://lilyfarmfreshskincare.com/rosemary/feed/0Myrrhhttps://lilyfarmfreshskincare.com/myrrh/
https://lilyfarmfreshskincare.com/myrrh/#respondThu, 29 Nov 2018 06:20:14 +0000https://lilyfarmfreshskincare.com/?p=13171So precious was myrrh that it was one of the gifts the Wise Men brought to Bethlehem. Tradition holds that myrrh was used 2000 years before Christ. Its uses are varied. The ancient Egyptians often used myrrh as an ingredient in embalming corpses. It also has been used in incense and in perfume. “A Syrian [...]

]]>So precious was myrrh that it was one of the gifts the Wise Men brought to Bethlehem. Tradition holds that myrrh was used 2000 years before Christ. Its uses are varied. The ancient Egyptians often used myrrh as an ingredient in embalming corpses. It also has been used in incense and in perfume.

“A Syrian legend, later adopted by the Greeks, associates myrrh with the goddess Myrrha, daughter of Thesis, the king of Syria; she was forced by Aphrodite to commit incest with her father and then escaped being murdered by him when the gods transformed her into a myrrh tree. The drops of gum resin that come from cuts on the tree are said to be Myrrha’s tears.” [Kowalchik and Hylton, eds., Rodale’s Illustrated Encyclopedia of Herbs, p. 396.]

Myrrh is often used as an ingredient in gargles and mouthwashes, because it is anti-fungal, antiseptic, and astringent. This is the same reason I use it in skin care products. It is infection fighting, anti-inflammatory, and is able to reduce oiliness and cool the skin, making it a desirable ingredient for creams, lotions, and any skin tonics. Myrrh is only partially soluble in water.

]]>https://lilyfarmfreshskincare.com/myrrh/feed/0Minthttps://lilyfarmfreshskincare.com/mint/
https://lilyfarmfreshskincare.com/mint/#respondThu, 22 Nov 2018 06:18:51 +0000https://lilyfarmfreshskincare.com/?p=13168I grow wild mint at my house. I simply put the clean, fresh leaves in boiling water and steep a few minutes. It makes a very refreshing beverage. I also cut the stalks of the plant and place them on me or around me when I am trying to enjoy my porch in the summer, [...]

]]>I grow wild mint at my house. I simply put the clean, fresh leaves in boiling water and steep a few minutes. It makes a very refreshing beverage. I also cut the stalks of the plant and place them on me or around me when I am trying to enjoy my porch in the summer, because the mint keeps away the flies that the nearby horses attract.

External uses

There are several varieties of peppermint. According to Mrs. Maud Grieve, author of A Modern Herbal, “Among essential oils, peppermint ranks first in importance.” [Grieve, A Modern Herbal, Vol. II, p. 541.] Peppermint essential oil is used widely both commercially and medicinally. Due to its anti-spasmodic action, it relieves pain and is often applied externally for this purpose, for toothaches, colic, rheumatism, sudden pains, and cramps in the abdomen. It acts as a local anesthetic and vascular stimulant, and it is anti-bacterial.

Internal uses

Internally, the tea is a stimulant and is a wonderful carminative, aiding greatly in reducing flatulence and the pain therefrom. It is said that drinking mint tea on the onset of a cold or mild flu will expel it within a day and a half.

When you are suffering from any sort of stomach problem, whether it be female cramps or too much food or disagreeable food, peppermint tea is helpful. It is inexpensive and delightful to drink. I like the tea mixed with a little honey.

There are many branches in the mint family. Two are peppermint, a perennial that is primarily used for cosmetic purposes, and spearmint, used for culinary purposes. The fragrant oil from the peppermint plant’s smooth, sharply pointed leaves is extracted from the plant by steam distillation. (Commercial mint growers have mint distilleries.)

Menthol, useful in giving a sensation of coolness in the mouth, is made from peppermint oil.

Peppermint is highly stimulating on the skin and at low doses, mixed with other appropriate ingredients, accelerates the sloughing process. Thus, it is a favored ingredient in botanical enzyme exfoliant masks, facial steams, cleansers, and toners.

]]>https://lilyfarmfreshskincare.com/mint/feed/0Lilyhttps://lilyfarmfreshskincare.com/lily/
https://lilyfarmfreshskincare.com/lily/#respondThu, 15 Nov 2018 06:17:07 +0000https://lilyfarmfreshskincare.com/?p=13165Lilies are one of the most underestimated herbs. From the time of man’s earliest recording, the lily was noted as the flower of purest beauty. Special virtues were once thought to be possessed by water distilled from the flowers, known as aqua area or golden water, and it was deemed worthy to be preserved in [...]

]]>Lilies are one of the most underestimated herbs. From the time of man’s earliest recording, the lily was noted as the flower of purest beauty. Special virtues were once thought to be possessed by water distilled from the flowers, known as aqua area or golden water, and it was deemed worthy to be preserved in vessels of gold and silver.

A distilled water of lilies was historically employed as a cosmetic, and oil of lilies was supposed to possess nervine powers. The odorous matter of lilies of the valley, though very powerful, is totally dissipated in drying and entirely lost in distillation, so no essential oil can be obtained from them through this process. However, the petals can communicate their fragrance to almond oil. The only effective method to collect this scent is to take a container of almond oil and fresh lily of the valley flowers and soak the flowers in the oil for two weeks. After that time, strain and squeeze the oil from the flowers, and repeat the process using fresh flowers each time, as many times as it takes to impart the scent to the oil.

Native American uses for the lily

Native Americans found many special uses for lilies. Lilies of particular value to the Rocky Mountain region Indians included the yellow pond lily. The Indians would eat the entire plant. They dried lilies, roasted them like popcorn, or ground them into meal for bread and porridge. They also used the leopard, or tiger lily, which Western Indians and the Eskimos still eat like corn.

One of the best remedies known for healing burns and scalds without leaving a scar is an ointment made from Madonna lily root. Many of the lily bulbs, in ointment form, are excellent to remove the pain and inflammation from burns and scalds leaving no scar. The ointment is also used to remove corns.

Ointments of lily have had the reputation of being excellent as an application for contracted tendons. John Gerard, a sixteenth-century British herbalist and author of one of the most famous of all herbal books, said that “the root of the garden lily stamped with honey gleweth together sinewes that be cut asunder. It bringeth the hairs again upon places which have been burned or scalded, if it be mingled with oil or grease.” [John Gerard, The Herball or Generali Historie of Plantes, London, 1597; fac. ed., London: John Norton.]

Pond lilies

White pond lily root is used for inflamed skin. The European yellow pond lily contains nuphar-tannic acid and the flowers contain a fragrant, volatile oil with tannins, sugar, gum, and chlorophyll. If the flowers are too old, they may produce symptoms of narcotic intoxication.

Country people sometimes steeped the fresh lily blooms in spirits and used the liquid as a lotion for bruises in the same manner as arnica or calendula.

The French call lily of the valley muguet. According to Perfume Album, although the scent is not passed through the distillation process, “The chemist knows almost nothing about the composition of lily of the valley oil,” and “Jasmine and rose oils mixed with ylang ylang and orange blossoms can give a lily of the valley scent.” [Jill Eva Jessee, Perfume Album, Huntington, NY: Robert E. Krieger Publishing Co., Inc., 1951, p. 52.]

The lily was always known as a symbol of majesty, and as a formal flower almost needing other flowers in contrast to make its majestic impression. The lily of the valley is regarded as a “return of happiness.”

“The light of its tremulous bells is seen/ Through their pavilions of tender green,” Shelley writes of the exquisite lily of the valley.

Legend says that the fragrance of the lily of the valley draws the nightingale from hedge and bush and leads him to choose his mate in the recesses of the glade.

Artistic and religious use of the lily or lotus

In Greek mythology, the lotus plant represented distaste for active life and was known to induce luxurious dreaminess. In India, there is a large temple made of concrete built in the shape of the lotus lily that holds hundreds of people. Many Buddhist and Hindu deities are pictured and sculpted sitting on lotus flowers. The goddess of the lotus is Prajna-Paramita, the highest female personification in Buddhism, the most spiritual feminine symbol. “The lotus of the world supports the symbol of the enlightenment that dispels the darkness of the naive ignorance inherent in all beings.” [T.C. Majupuria and D.P. Joshi, Religious and Useful Plants of Nepal and India, Lalitpur Colony, Lashkar, India: M. Gupta, 1989.]

The lotus symbolizes how we should live life: Although it has its roots in the mire, it pushes upward through the water and raises its blossom head above the earth.

The lily has historically been the flower chosen to represent the Easter season, commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ, perhaps because it blooms at that time of year.

Lilies are mentioned numerous times in the Bible. It is believed that the Madonna lily was around in biblical times. Many believe that the flower’s revered place partly stems from its beauty being constantly painted by medieval artists who always showed it as the symbol of purity, most referring to the Virgin Mary.

It seems to me that if roses represent romantic love, then lilies represent pure unconditional love.

]]>https://lilyfarmfreshskincare.com/lily/feed/0Lavenderhttps://lilyfarmfreshskincare.com/lavender/
https://lilyfarmfreshskincare.com/lavender/#respondThu, 08 Nov 2018 06:14:14 +0000https://lilyfarmfreshskincare.com/?p=13162Many old books on lavender say that its smell has the power to conjure memories of other times and places. I have seen this statement proven time after time. I use lavender in many of my products, and when people smell the product full of the essential oil, they say, “This reminds me of the [...]

]]>Many old books on lavender say that its smell has the power to conjure memories of other times and places. I have seen this statement proven time after time. I use lavender in many of my products, and when people smell the product full of the essential oil, they say, “This reminds me of the first girl I ever loved” or “This reminds me of my grandmother’s house” or “My mother used to wear this scent.” I love lavender and I think it is one of the most wonderful flowers, fragrances, and cosmetic ingredients known to womankind.

Lavender has a very clean, spare, and classic fragrance. Its very name derives from the Latin verb “to wash,” and both the Romans and the Greeks scented their soaps and bathwater with the flower.

Lavender is balancing

Both historically and today, lavender has so many uses it would almost be confusing, except for the fact that it is so balancing. This is one word you must remember whenever you hear anything about lavender. For example, in the Middle Ages, lavender was thought to be an herb of love, and it was often used as an aphrodisiac. However, it seemed to work both ways because it is also said that lavender sprinkled on one’s head is helpful in keeping one’s chastity. For more about this versatile plant, see the section on Lavender under Herbs and Essential Oils.

Lavender is used in just about every kind of skin care product, and all correctly, because lavender is so balancing. It is perfect for dry skin, normal skin, and oily skin. One of lavender’s most important uses is to normalize the oil flow of the glands. Lavender stimulates the skin, but it is also the universal calming and soothing oil. Lavender in any form is valuable in all body care products, including, but not limited to, facial steams, masks, cleansers, astringents, toners, lotions, creams, oils, bath products, and sleep aids. It is applied as an antiseptic for swabbing pimples, wounds, acne, or sores.

I personally love lavender oil, and I put the essential oil in my bath. I make my own perfume using lavender as one of the key ingredients. I put it in all my oils for my bath and my hair.

Lavender is one of the best remedies for burns and bee stings. Before World War I, lavender was used as a disinfectant for wounds because of its strong anti-bacterial action. Traditionally, it has been used to freshen sickrooms, to soothe troubled minds and bodies, and as a medicine for hysteria, nervous palpitations, and headaches. Lavender has even been used for embalming corpses, curing animals of lice, repelling mosquitoes, and taming lions and tigers.

Sleep pillows

Probably my favorite use for lavender is in the sleep pillows I make. I take one-half cup of lavender, one-half cup of hops, and two tablespoons of mugwort herb, and for simplicity’s sake, I fold them up in an old pillowcase and then put it inside my regular pillowcase. More ambitious people can choose delightfully appropriate fabrics featuring moons, stars, and angels—whatever appeals to them—and make small pillows, say 6 to 8 inches square, or round, triangular, or even free form. Choose whatever pleases you.

Lavender has the most wonderful scent; the hops scent is a sedative and helps you relax and prepare for a wonderful sleep. The mugwort helps you have better dreams and remember them.

Many stores sell these dream pillows; however, I think it is probably best to make them yourself, because it is said that negative vibrations can be passed from the person making them to the herbs. Why take the chance? You can lovingly make these for yourself and those around you.